Manchester committee hears timeline, budget updates as Hillside and McLaughlin mobilize

The Committee on Joint School Buildings met March 11 and received a monthly status and financial report from Left Field on the city's six-school construction program, with presenters saying early contract awards and "soft" mobilization are expected in coming weeks and the committee accepting the report for informational purposes.

The update outlined immediate steps for Group 1 (Hillside and McLaughlin): anticipated awards for four early-release packages (site work, steel, concrete and windows) totaling about $9,700,000, launch of a Priority 1 project website, and a soft mobilization targeted for about April 1. David, project manager at Left Field, said, "They're not gonna be showing up with heavy equipment on April 1. They're gonna mobilize. They'll be there. They will mobilize their trailer. They'll put up a fence." The committee voted to accept the February monthly status and financial report as submitted for informational purposes.

Why it matters: Committee members pressed for clarity about public access to project information, neighborhood impacts and how the program will protect play and community space during multi-year construction. Left Field and district representatives said they are coordinating schedules, temporary play facilities and Department of Public Works involvement to limit disruption.

Key schedule and contracting details Left Field told the committee it expects awards for the Group 1 early-release…